Here at Sandwell Valley we host a fortnightly guided walk to explore the reserve and discover the many different species that call it home at different times of the year.
Over the past few months we have enjoyed seeing the varying arrival dates of our breeding birds along with the departures of the winter visitors. One walk which stands out to me was at the end of March when we had a large arrival of Spring migrants which included the reserves (and many visitors) first Wheatears, Little Ringed Plovers and Sand Martins of the year. Other highlights over Spring have also included Common Terns, a Grasshopper Warbler, Black-Tailed Godwits, Sandpipers and great views of our resident 'stars' like the Bullfinches, Willow Tits and Lapwing.
These walks will be continuing over the summer and our focus has been shifting to the change in behaviour of the birds now the young have fledged and also the other insect life which springs to life in the warmer weather.
If you fancy joining us for a gentle stroll on a Saturday morning to see the amazing diversity of life which lives just a few miles from the centre of Birmingham, then please check our events listing on the website for when the next walk will be happening.
P.S. This is my first blog post and looks a bit boring, promise for the next one I will try to get some photos and jokes in!
Mike Ixer